As I’ve been deeply embedded with a client’s team this year, I’ve been reminded of some of the truths and challenges of leadership.
When you’re a leader, your team notices every move you make.
Everything ― from your tone of voice to what you say (and don’t say) to the way you show up ― is impactful.
Leadership is so much more than simply getting work done.
All of your decisions and actions (even the subconscious ones) shape your ethos as a leader, your reputation in the organization, and how your team functions.
And given that you’re usually the one giving feedback, you may not receive much feedback about what you’re not doing well. But it’ll show up over time in your team’s dysfunctions, dissatisfaction, or departures.
This is why leadership can feel so lonely and why it’s so challenging.
What can leaders do?
Two ideas: meet with yourself and get yourself a talent leader coach. We’ll discuss both below.
Try This: Meet with Yourself
Every day, I hold a meeting ― with myself.
These meetings are part tactical and part reflective.
In the tactical part, I review my goals for the year/month/week and track my progress. I determine what I need to do and how to get it done.
In the reflective part, I consider whether I’m showing up in the ways I want to and becoming the leader I want to be.
I ask myself:
- What went well yesterday?
- Where were there additional opportunities for greatness (i.e., things that could have gone better)?
Even if you do this only once a week or twice a month, making space for reflection will help you grow into the leader you want to be.
Reflecting on HOW you work is equally as important as WHAT work you’re doing.
Work With Us: Talent Leader Coaching
As we all know, talent work is so vital that it can make or break an organization!
But you may not have the decades of experience you’d need to know which talent systems to roll out when, how to do so, and how to navigate every situation that arises in the meantime.
Many talent leaders can benefit from leaning on and learning from an expert colleague who can serve as a thought partner, share an outsider’s perspective, and help them plan and implement the work.
And yes, a coach can also give you the feedback you don’t get from anyone else and help you become a better leader.
TalentED’s Talent Leader Coaching is designed for talent leaders who want practical support on talent decisions, projects, initiatives or dilemmas.
Offered on an hourly basis for maximum flexibility.
Want to learn more?
